HP:The Phoenix Reborn

Chapter 8: Flames in the Dark

War was coming.

Harry had known that from the moment he set foot in this timeline. He had felt it in the whispers that slithered through Hogwarts' corridors, in the cold eyes of Tom Riddle as he watched him from afar, in the tension that grew with every passing day.

But amidst the battle plans and war councils, amidst the secret training sessions and strategies, something else was happening.

Something he hadn't planned for.

Something dangerous.

He was falling for Lily Evans.

The Lioness and the Serpent

Lily had been training with them for weeks now. She was a natural—fast, clever, and precise. Every spell she cast was calculated, every movement deliberate.

But what fascinated Harry the most wasn't her skill.

It was her fire.

She challenged him. Questioned him. She wasn't afraid of his power, of his secrets, of the dark edge he carried. If anything, she saw through him in a way no one else did.

And that was dangerous.

"You're holding back," she said one night after training, crossing her arms as she looked at him.

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Am I?"

Lily stepped closer. "Yes. You're always three steps ahead of everyone. You know things before they happen, you plan for things before they exist. And yet, when we duel, you never go all out."

Harry exhaled. "Maybe I don't want to hurt you."

Lily scoffed. "That's bullshit, and you know it."

Harry blinked. Well, that was direct.

She narrowed her eyes, studying him. "It's not about hurting me, is it? It's about what happens if you stop holding back."

He held her gaze.

Lily had always been brilliant, but she was also reckless. She pushed boundaries, tested limits.

And for the first time in two lifetimes, Harry realized—

She wasn't afraid of his darkness.

She wanted to understand it.

The Kiss in the Moonlight

It happened unexpectedly.

They were alone in the Room of Requirement, finishing a late-night training session. Everyone else had left, but Lily had stayed behind, insisting she needed to practice one last spell.

Harry had been about to leave when she suddenly said, "I know you're keeping secrets."

Harry sighed, rubbing his temples. "Lily—"

"You know things you shouldn't. You fight like someone who's seen a real war. And Riddle—" She exhaled. "He looks at you like he recognizes you. Like you're the one thing he can't predict."

Harry's throat felt dry.

Lily took a step closer. "Tell me the truth."

For a long moment, he said nothing.

Then, finally—

"I can't."

Lily's expression flickered—hurt, frustration, something else. "Why?"

Harry exhaled. "Because if I tell you, you'll never look at me the same way again."

Lily studied him, then did something completely unexpected.

She stepped forward, grabbed the front of his robes—

And kissed him.

Harry's mind short-circuited.

It was fast, fierce, like everything Lily did. Her lips were warm, and for a moment, for just one moment, Harry let himself fall.

Then he pulled away, breathless.

"Lily, I—"

"Shut up," she murmured, her fingers still tangled in his robes.

Harry swallowed hard. "This is a mistake."

"Then stop me," she whispered.

He didn't.

Because despite everything—despite the war, despite the lies, despite the storm that was coming—

Harry wanted her.

And that?

That was more dangerous than anything Tom Riddle could throw at him.

——-

Lily Evans was a problem.

Not because she was reckless. Not because she challenged him. Not even because she made him feel things he had no right to feel.

She was a problem because Tom Riddle had noticed.

Harry had always known Riddle was watching him, waiting for him to make a mistake. But now?

Now, Riddle's gaze lingered on Lily too.

And that?

That was unacceptable.

The Warning

The confrontation happened in the library.

Harry had been flipping through an old tome on advanced wards when a shadow fell over him.

"You surprise me, Peverell," Riddle murmured.

Harry glanced up, unsurprised to see Riddle standing there, his dark eyes unreadable. "Do I?"

Riddle smirked. "I expected you to play the game longer before making yourself vulnerable."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Riddle chuckled. "Lily Evans."

Harry's blood ran cold.

Riddle tilted his head. "She's… charming, isn't she? So bright, so fierce. I can see why she caught your attention."

Harry clenched his jaw. "Stay away from her."

Riddle grinned. "Oh, Harry. You don't give orders to me."

Harry stood slowly, his magic crackling beneath his skin.

Riddle's eyes darkened in delight.

"Careful," Riddle murmured, "or people will start to think you care."

Harry's voice was deadly quiet.

"If you touch her, I will end you."

Riddle's smirk widened. "Now that is interesting."

Then, with a graceful turn, he walked away.

Leaving Harry standing there, his hands trembling with fury.

———-

That night, Harry found Lily in the Astronomy Tower.

She was leaning against the railing, staring at the stars, lost in thought.

"You're brooding," she said without looking at him.

Harry sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Riddle knows."

Lily frowned. "Knows what?"

Harry exhaled. "About us."

Lily turned, her green eyes sharp. "And?"

Harry swallowed. "And now you're a target."

Lily studied him. Then, slowly, she smiled. "You really think I'm afraid of Tom Riddle?"

Harry's heart twisted painfully.

She should be.

But she wasn't.

Because Lily Evans was a lioness, and she wasn't afraid of anyone.

"I can protect myself, Hadrian," she said softly.

Harry exhaled, stepping closer. "I know. But that doesn't mean I won't fight like hell to keep you safe."

Lily reached up, cupping his face. "Then fight with me."

And Harry?

Harry kissed her.

Because for the first time since arriving in this timeline, he had something worth fighting for.

Something worth winning for.

And he would burn the world before he let Riddle take her from him.

Author's Note:

The romance is here! Harry and Lily's relationship is growing, but Riddle has noticed, and that means trouble. Should Harry push her away to keep her safe? Or should he stand by her side, no matter the cost?

Let me know what you think! More coming soon!